Intergenerational Patterns of DNA Methylation in Procambarus clarkii Following Exposure to Genotoxicants: A Conjugation in Past Simple or Past Continuous?

Evaluation of GSTP1, GSTA4 and AChE Gene Methylation in Bovine Lymphocytes Cultured In Vitro with Miconazole Alone and in Combination with Mospilan 20SP

5-methylcytosine (5mC) is one of the most important epigenetic modifications. Its increased occurrence in regulatory sequences of genes, such as promoters and enhancers, is associated with the inhibition of their expression. Methylation patterns are not stable but are sensitive to factors such as the environment, diet, and age. In the present study, we investigated the effects of fungicide miconazole, both alone and in combination with the insecticide Mospilan 20SP, on the methylation status of bovine GSTP1, GSTA4, and AChE genes in bovine lymphocytes cultured in vitro. The methylation-specific PCR technique was used for the objectives of this study. We found that miconazole alone at concentrations of 1.25, 2.5, 5, 10, 25, and 50 µg/mL after 24 h exposure probably did not induce changes in methylation for all three genes analysed. The same results were found for the combination of pesticides at 24 h exposure and the following concentrations for each of them: 0.625, 1.25, 2.5, 5, and 12.5 µg/mL. Thus, we can conclude that the fungicide miconazole alone, as well as in combination with the insecticide Mospilan 20SP, was unlikely to cause changes to the methylation of bovine GSTP1, GSTA4, and AChE genes.

Epigenetic Modulations for Prevention of Infectious Diseases in Shrimp Aquaculture

Aquaculture assumes a pivotal role in meeting the escalating global food demand, and shrimp farming, in particular, holds a significant role in the global economy and food security, providing a rich source of nutrients for human consumption. Nonetheless, the industry faces formidable challenges, primarily attributed to disease outbreaks and the diminishing efficacy of conventional disease management approaches, such as antibiotic usage. Consequently, there is an urgent imperative to explore alternative strategies to ensure the sustainability of the industry. In this context, the field of epigenetics emerges as a promising avenue for combating infectious diseases in shrimp aquaculture. Epigenetic modulations entail chemical alterations in DNA and proteins, orchestrating gene expression patterns without modifying the underlying DNA sequence through DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNA molecules. Utilizing epigenetic mechanisms presents an opportunity to enhance immune gene expression and bolster disease resistance in shrimp, thereby contributing to disease management strategies and optimizing shrimp health and productivity. Additionally, the concept of epigenetic inheritability in marine animals holds immense potential for the future of the shrimp farming industry. To this end, this comprehensive review thoroughly explores the dynamics of epigenetic modulations in shrimp aquaculture, with a particular emphasis on its pivotal role in disease management. It conveys the significance of harnessing advantageous epigenetic changes to ensure the long-term viability of shrimp farming while deliberating on the potential consequences of these interventions. Overall, this appraisal highlights the promising trajectory of epigenetic applications, propelling the field toward strengthening sustainability in shrimp aquaculture.

Contribution of Amygdala Histone Acetylation in Early Life Stress-Induced Visceral Hypersensitivity and Emotional Comorbidity

Patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) experience not only enhanced visceral pain but also emotional comorbidities, such as anxiety and depression. Early life stress (ELS) is a high-risk for the development of IBS. Literatures have reported an important epigenetic modulation in sustaining extrinsic phenotypes. The amygdala is closely related to the regulation of visceral functions and emotional experiences. In this study, we hypothesized that ELS-induced reprogramming inappropriate adaptation of histone acetylation modification in the amygdala may result in visceral hypersensitivity and anxiety-like behaviors in ELS rats. To test this hypothesis, the model of ELS rats was established by neonatal colorectal dilatation (CRD). Visceral hypersensitivity was assessed based on the electromyography response of the abdominal external oblique muscle to CRD. Emotional comorbidities were examined using the elevated plus maze test, open field test, and sucrose preference test. Trichostatin A (TSA) and C646 were microinjected into the central amygdala (CeA) individually to investigate the effects of different levels of histone acetylation modification on visceral hypersensitivity and emotion. We found neonatal CRD resulted in visceral hypersensitivity and anxiety-like behaviors after adulthood. Inhibiting histone deacetylases (HDACs) in the CeA by TSA enhanced visceral sensitivity but did not affect anxiety-like behaviors, whereas inhibiting HAT by C646 attenuated visceral hypersensitivity in ELS rats. Interestingly, CeA treatment with TSA induced visceral sensitivity and anxiety-like behaviors in the control rats. Western blot showed that the expressions of acetylated 9 residue of Histone 3 (H3K9) and protein kinase C zeta type (PKMζ) were higher in the ELS rats compared to those of the controls. The administration of the PKMζ inhibitor ZIP into the CeA attenuated visceral hypersensitivity of ELS rats. Furthermore, the expression of amygdala PKMζ was enhanced by TSA treatment in control rats. Finally, western blot and immunofluorescence results indicated the decrease of HDAC1 and HDAC2 expressions, but not HDAC3 expression, contributed to the enhancement of histone acetylation in ELS rats. Our results support our hypothesis that amygdala-enhanced histone acetylation induced by stress in early life results in visceral hypersensitivity and anxiety-like behaviors in ELS rats, and reversing the abnormal epigenetic mechanisms may be crucial to relieve chronic symptoms in ELS rats.